Adding more schools 10 at a time?

[ronnicus]

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Would it make sense, if I'm applying to say 40 schools to add 10 schools to my AMCAS, complete their secondaries within two weeks and then add another 10 etc.? That way you'll complete all your secondaries within two weeks of receiving.

 

[starspells]

Are you asking because you're unsure you'll be able to complete all the secondaries? Doesn't seem like a bad approach. That way if you see a school secondary (check SDN as other posters will post them) you can't fathom completing then you won't have to worry about wasting money on a primary app to that school.

 

[ronnicus]

Are you asking because you're unsure you'll be able to complete all the secondaries? Doesn't seem like a bad approach. That way if you see a school secondary (check SDN as other posters will post them) you can't fathom completing then you won't have to worry about wasting money on a primary app to that school.

Well it's more about completing the secondary in a timely fashion (2-3 weeks). If I add 40 schools at once I may only be able to finish 20 secondaries within 2-3 weeks. If I added 10 at a time, I would be on time for every school I applied.

 

[tvtrojan11]

I'm also interested in an answer to this. The only downside I can think of is that for schools that don't instantly send you a secondary after receiving your primary, you may be pushing back your complete date later than you intend.

 

[Wolfpack93]

I've heard that two week turn around time doesn't really hold much truth to it. I could be wrong though

 

[musclebro]

The two week thing is a myth lmao 😆

 

[musclebro]

Getting them in early so they can be reviewed early is the issue, not a two week limit.

If you're a top applicant, then timing really doesn't matter anyways (for many schools). JHU MD/PhD made two extra interview dates for those of us that submitted quite late (like late October-ish). If a school really likes you, they'll invite you. Still, don't submit near the deadline, but also, the two week rule is garbage.

If you're a weak/non-top tier applicant, then yes, you'll want timing in your favor.

 

[ronnicus]

Getting them in early so they can be reviewed early is the issue, not a two week limit.

If you're a top applicant, then timing really doesn't matter anyways (for many schools). JHU MD/PhD made two extra interview dates for those of us that submitted quite late (like late October-ish). If a school really likes you, they'll invite you. Still, don't submit near the deadline, but also, the two week rule is garbage.

If you're a weak/non-top tier applicant, then yes, you'll want timing in your favor.

Well I'm definitely not a top applicant, and I heard that submitting within 2 weeks or so makes it seem like you're more interested in their school, which makes sense (at least to me).

 

[musclebro]

Well I'm definitely not a top applicant, and I heard that submitting within 2 weeks or so makes it seem like you're more interested in their school, which makes sense (at least to me).

I mean, if you believe that a two week limit to be reality, then by all means, do it. There's really no harm because you're on top of your game.

(Just recommend to not go around spreading the gospel of secondary submission time limits unless the school explicitly sets one - like San Diego, Irvine, or UCSF). Theoretically, your submission times will be the same for the same school with either method, so it's not like you'll get the added benefit of submitting early. Just potentially save primary $$ if you change your mind about a school

 

[ronnicus]

You aren't going to receive all your secondaries in the same time frame. Some will take months to receive (like VCU). The 2 week turn around is also arbitrary. It's better to just say, "I'll complete all mine by mid August." Then getting them all at once is better because you can insure you get all sooner than later.

Ah ok that makes sense. Any other secondaries that take a while to get into your inbox?

 

[anonymoose1640]

I followed this plan and it worked out pretty okay for me! @piii is right though, you won't receive all your secondaries at once. VCU, Drexel, and Temple immediately come to mind from my experience. I think all the other schools I applied to I received within days of sending them my primary.

When I applied I thought the 2-3 week turnaround was a hard and fast rule (I realize now it's not), so breaking down my submissions into blocks really helped me balance all the secondary writing. It also gave me more time to think about the schools I was applying to, I ended up changing my school list a couple of times over the weeks because I did more research and decided certain schools weren't for me or certain schools might be worth applying to.

Good luck with your applications!

 

[DameJulie]

I would like an answer/opinion on this too. I am planning to apply to both MD and DO and I really want to make sure I don't initially flood my inbox with secondary invites...
Anybody had this strategy before and successfully handled them?

 

[theonlytycrane]

wait, are you really going to write 40+ essays? If so, props.

 

[deleted482591]

unless the school explicitly sets one - like San Diego, Irvine, or UCSF)

Um, any other schools that do this? And how do we find out if a school does this?

 

[musclebro]

Um, any other schools that do this? And how do we find out if a school does this?

Not sure, those were just at the top of my head from last cycle. Even those have a month deadline and not two weeks (except UCSD MSTP). But, check MSAR maybe?